Topical Bible: Truth: Those Who Speak, are the Delight of God

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In the biblical context, truth is a fundamental attribute of God's character and a virtue that His followers are called to embody. The Scriptures consistently affirm that those who speak truth are favored and delighted in by God. This entry explores the biblical foundation for understanding truth as a divine attribute and the expectation for believers to uphold truth in their speech and conduct.

Divine Nature of Truth

Truth is intrinsically linked to the nature of God. In the Old Testament, God is described as a God of truth. Deuteronomy 32:4 declares, "He is the Rock, His work is perfect; all His ways are just. A God of faithfulness without injustice, righteous and upright is He." This passage highlights God's unwavering commitment to truth and justice. Similarly, Psalm 31:5 refers to God as the "God of truth," underscoring His reliability and faithfulness.

In the New Testament, Jesus Christ embodies truth. John 14:6 records Jesus' declaration, "I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me." Here, truth is not merely a concept but personified in Christ, who reveals the Father and His will to humanity.

The Call to Speak Truth

Believers are called to reflect God's truthfulness in their own lives. Proverbs 12:22 states, "Lying lips are detestable to the LORD, but those who deal faithfully are His delight." This verse clearly indicates that God takes pleasure in those who speak truthfully and act with integrity. The contrast between lying and truthfulness is stark, with truthfulness being a source of divine delight.

The Apostle Paul, in his epistles, emphasizes the importance of truth in the life of a believer. Ephesians 4:25 instructs, "Therefore each of you must put off falsehood and speak truthfully to his neighbor, for we are all members of one another." This exhortation highlights the communal aspect of truth-telling, as it fosters trust and unity within the body of Christ.

Truth in Practice

The practice of truth extends beyond mere words to encompass actions and intentions. James 1:26 warns, "If anyone considers himself religious and yet does not bridle his tongue, he deceives his heart and his religion is worthless." This admonition underscores the importance of aligning one's speech with one's professed beliefs, as genuine faith is evidenced by truthful living.

Furthermore, truth is linked to wisdom and discernment. Proverbs 8:7 states, "For my mouth will speak the truth, and wickedness is detestable to my lips." Here, wisdom personified speaks truth, indicating that a wise person values and upholds truth in all circumstances.

The Consequences of Truthfulness

The Bible assures that those who speak truth will experience God's favor and blessing. Psalm 15:1-2 asks, "LORD, who may dwell in Your tent? Who may reside on Your holy hill? He who walks with integrity and practices righteousness, who speaks the truth from his heart." This passage associates truthfulness with the privilege of dwelling in God's presence, suggesting that truth-tellers enjoy a special relationship with the Lord.

In contrast, those who engage in falsehood face divine disapproval and judgment. Revelation 21:8 warns, "But the cowardly, the unbelieving, the vile, the murderers, the sexually immoral, the sorcerers, the idolaters, and all liars—their place will be in the lake that burns with fire and sulfur. This is the second death." This severe warning highlights the eternal consequences of living contrary to God's truth.

In summary, the Bible presents truth as an essential attribute of God and a vital characteristic of His people. Those who speak truth are not only aligned with God's nature but are also recipients of His delight and favor. Through truthful speech and conduct, believers reflect the character of their Creator and contribute to the flourishing of the community of faith.

Nave's Topical Index

Proverbs 12:22
Lying lips are abomination to the LORD: but they that deal truly are his delight.
Nave's Topical Index

Library

The Cloud
... only, we are perhaps apt to forget the other part of the truth of God ... it not a sad
and humbling fact, that very frequently, amongst those who speak most of ...
/...//christianbookshelf.org/bevan/three friends of god/chapter xxxvii the cloud.htm

Scripture the Criterion by which Truth and Heresy are ...
... our neighbours; whom above all it is our duty, in the exercise of love to them,
to teach to adhere to the truth. ... But those who speak treacherously with ...
/.../clement/the stromata or miscellanies/chapter xvi scripture the criterion by.htm

Which are the Better, the Continent, or those who Delight in ...
... you ask rather for the sake of amusement than of truth. ... Speak fair, I pray you, my
good friend; for I ... that they who are not concupiscent excel those who are ...
/.../chapter iii which are the better.htm

The Word of the Truth of the Gospel
... Just so it is with those passages which speak to you ... Never lose sight of this great
truth, that the evil thing in you, which is the root of bitterness ...
//christianbookshelf.org/bonar/gods way of peace/chapter vii the word of.htm

On the Feast of St Augustine
... This is spoken, in truth, against those free spirits ... in and attack them, and cause
them trouble; and then, when they act wrongly, they speak hardly to ...
//christianbookshelf.org/tauler/the inner way/sermon xviii on the feast.htm

John Chapter viii. 28-32
... minded Jews"not those who had believed, but those in the ... them, because He said to
them, "The truth shall make ... of that slavery it were too long to speak to-day ...
/.../augustine/homilies on the gospel of john/tractate xl john chapter viii.htm

A Knowledge of God
... thoughts are upon Christ, the more we shall speak of Him ... seek Him for light that
we may know what is truth. ... from the world of light will be with those who in ...
//christianbookshelf.org/white/steps to christ/chapter 10 a knowledge of.htm

Instructions for those who have Attained to the Prayer of Quiet. ...
... be profound, it becomes difficult to speak, and it can ... humility and poor dispositions
for those effects which ... in the understanding nor steadiness in the truth. ...
/.../teresa/the life of st teresa of jesus/chapter xv instructions for those.htm

Proof that God did not Appoint the Levitical Dispensation for his ...
... If thou hast seen the naked, cover him, and thou shalt not despise those of thine
own flesh and blood (domesticos seminis tui ... Speak ye the truth every man ...
/.../irenaeus/against heresies/chapter xvii proof that god did.htm

Original Sin
... of men, "They are all gone out of the way, of truth and holiness ... which to wonder
at most, the ignorance or the insolence of those men who speak with such ...
/.../wesley/sermons on several occasions/sermon 44 original sin.htm